KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: I’m a sucker for songs in 6/8 time, no matter the music style. I don’t know why that ONE-two-three-FOUR-five-six swinging rhythm so captures me whether it’s fast or slow, but there’s no denying that it does. And I might not even notice this rhythm, but for one little fact: I’m a thoroughly mediocre cellist. I took cello lessons from age 8 to age 14; during
those years, I graduated from “truly bad” to “moderately acceptable,” at least acceptable enough to play in orchestras where my individual sound would be drowned out by the better kids’ playing. But even as unskilled as I was, I know I am happier as an adult for having played: I can understand music from the inside. I hear patterns and styles and instruments with far different ears than I would have had I not studied music early in life. Understanding what makes your heart sing helps
you be on the lookout for more, and that makes your life better. Summer is the perfect season to help kids grow their ears. Yes, check out the big open-air concerts from your local orchestra, municipal band, or jazz ensemble. But also keep an active ear out for the smaller stuff: free concerts in parks, weekly community series, festivals, buskers, church lawn performances, library gigs, and whatever band happens to be playing near the funnel cakes. When you hear something,
name it: bluegrass, salsa, soul, swing, zydeco, classical, funk, folk, rock, rap, mariachi. Kids don’t have to like everything, but knowing the names of things helps them understand what they do like, and gives them handles for finding more of it later. A couple of tips: If you know you're headed in the direction of something new, play a sample of the style before you leave so kids have a hook on which to hang the experience. While you’re there, help them notice one thing: the
bass line, the drummer, the singer’s breathing, the way people move. That will help the music swirl around in their minds long after the last note fades. Remember, music isn’t only on stages. It’s in carousels, movie scores, worship services, elevators, malls, ballparks, and the ice cream truck coming around the corner. So as tour guide to your kids’ universe, don’t ignore the invisible! Point your ears toward the music, tune everyone's radar, and grow.
—Debra
Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
Please click through to our 2026 survey to vote for your top 3 places to take kids... it will be used to compile our 2026 Top 20 Places to Take Kids in and around Memphis. Voting is live through June 20; believe me, winning a place on the Top 20 list matters to the people
who create amazing family-friendly experiences. Take 3 minutes to choose your favorites as your way of saying thank you... and use the list to build your summer bucket list at the same time! You have my personal and fervent thanks for your participation! —Deb |
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St. Dominic School's Early Childhood program provides a nurturing, faith-based education for young learners. Caring faculty develop each child’s unique potential building a foundation for a love of lifelong learning. Come for a visit to learn more!
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Brick Dinos is open daily to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. June 13 through October 11 at the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion. Immerse yourself in the world of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, developed in conjunction with paleontologists. From tiny insects to a raptor-like Masiakasaurus, explore and come face to face with these amazing creatures.
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Sports Camp is designed for young athletes who love trying new sports and staying active in a fun, structured environment. Each day highlights a different sport or skill area—such as basketball, soccer, dodgeball, kickball, flag football, and more. Campers learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and fundamental athletic skills while rotating through stations, skill drills, and friendly games. Our coaching staff creates an encouraging atmosphere that welcomes beginners while still challenging more experienced players. Whether your child is exploring sports for the first time or sharpening their skills, Sports Camp offers something for everyone!
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On Friday, June 19, the Museum will be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission available until 2:00 PM. The day will be filled with inspiring programming, live music, cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and community resources honoring this important national holiday. Together, we celebrate history and the ongoing work of positive social change. This year’s celebration will also spotlight health equity, recognizing the vital connection between civil rights and access to healthy, thriving communities. Guests can engage in meaningful conversations, wellness-focused activities, and valuable resources designed to promote health for all.
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The king of the apes and his lady love swing to the stage in this adaptation of the Disney film. This epic adventure features heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, with high-flying hits, like the Academy Award winning "You'll Be in My Heart," as well as "Son of Man" and "Two Worlds," making Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience. Grab your tickets today!
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Every Saturday 10-Noon unlimited CEREAL, CARTOONS (on the projector) & ARCADE all without Mom yellin’ atcha to go play outside! $12 kids/$15 adults gets you unlimited play in the arcade and all the sugar! Cereal of the Week announced Thursdays!
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Come preserve your family history in timeless family photos at the Genealogy Center...for free! We will have our experienced photographer on hand to take family photos in our beautiful library. Photos will be delivered digitally to your family after the event. We can't wait to see you there!
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Homestand Highlights on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at AutoZone Park features a dynamic mix of nostalgia, family fun, and ballpark traditions. Fans can celebrate Backyard Sports Day by trying the new game and reconnecting with iconic characters, while the first 1,500 guests receive a reversible Melonheads bucket hat. Specialty ticket options include a Father’s Day cookout brunch with an all-you-can-eat buffet, pregame catch, and game admission, or a relaxed Homeplate Club brunch with mimosas. Kids can stay entertained with inflatables and postgame base running, and early arrivals can enjoy live music from Rodell McCord to kick off an engaging and memorable day at the ballpark.
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Prepare to be inspired by the incredible Black history found at the most historic cemetery in Memphis! Celebrate Juneteenth with a guided walking tour of Elmwood Cemetery that highlights Black history and the stories of doctors, dentists, business leaders, attorneys, musicians, saints, and even the South’s first Black millionaire. Led by Executive Director Kim Bearden, this informative tour lasts about 75 minutes; please wear comfortable footwear. Inclement weather will cancel. Admission is $20 per person.
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Moments for Dad! Join us for our MPsnaps Monthly photo shoot on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at Hickory Hill Community Center. Honor the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make life meaningful with a Father's Day photo shoot made to capture authentic moments and lasting memories. No preregistration is required for this FREE event.
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On Father's Day, June 21st, the first 500 guests through the gates will receive a FREE donut in honor of all the amazing dads and father figures. While supplies last. Experience the wild this Father's Day! The Memphis Zoo is your passport to wildlife from across the globe. We're home to 3,500+ animals. Find your favorites and discover new species to love!
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Memphis area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the Memphis area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more. Our
guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
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The Memphis Area's Pick-Your-Own Fruit Listed below are farms in and near Memphis that offer pick your own fruits, berries, and vegetables. And... to make the most of your experience, check out our
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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